Leading Mobile Satellite Services operator, Thuraya Telecommunications Company and WiCis Sports have joined forces in a bid to support climbing expeditions to the Himalayas.
The expedition, beginning on 19 March, is part of a six-month project which will take climbers from Jomsom in Nepal, to Lo Manthang, on to a high-altitude trek, followed by a trip to K2 in June.
Thuraya Telecommunications has donated its IP+ terminal, SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot to help Madison Mountaineering climbers stay in touch during their expedition. Madison Mountaineering is a boutique mountain guide service based in Seattle, Washington. The company specializes in mountaineering expeditions to the “7 Summits” and other renowned international and domestic peaks, as well as unclimbed peaks in extremely remote regions.
Randy Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer, Thuraya, said: “We are pleased to form a partnership with WiCis Sports Adventure Solutions and to sponsor Madison Mountaineering. It is essential that people have the necessary equipment to keep themselves safe while on their adventures. This solution is evidence that the era of the Internet of Things and wearable devices is here today and Thuraya is at the forefront of this trend. When these wearables are connected to our IP+ terminal or the SatSleeve+, the WiCis monitoring solution will keep climbers and adventurers in touch with family, friends and healthcare professionals.”
The WiCis Adventure Sports Solution includes small, wearable devices that compile and save data such as heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, location, altitude and speed of each climber. This data is then uploaded to the cloud via the Thuraya IP+, SatSleeve+ or SatSleeve Hotspot and is accessible and downloadable in ‘real time’ by health professionals and the climbers themselves. The climbers also have access to weather updates and can upload their data to social media platforms using the Thuraya products.
Weighing only 1.4kg, the Thuraya IP+ has speeds of up to 444kbps on standard IP and 384kbps on streaming IP with an integrated antenna.
Light and compact, the portable IP+ broadband terminal delivers the fastest IP speeds from a terminal of its size. It can be easily deployed from backpack to broadband in a matter of seconds, however remote the location, making it the ideal choice for explorers and adventurers.
Thuraya SatSleeve+ appeals to travelers, adventurers and outdoor sportspeople, or simply to consumers who want the assurance that their smartphone will connect even when terrestrial networks are unavailable or damaged.
A simple, sleek accessory that looks like a phone cover, SatSleeve+ clips easily on to smartphones, turning them into satellite phones. With Thuraya’s SatSleeve+, users can make calls, send emails and messages, and use their apps directly on their smartphone. SatSleeve+ also has an SOS function which enables users to set up a predefined emergency contact person to call on in times of trouble.
For those on-the-move, the SatSleeve Hotspot is a portable satellite Wi-Fi hotspot which comes complete with a stand in the package. Created for users preferring to use their smartphone separated from the satellite unit, simply place the Hotspot outside your tent or campervan and make a call, send an email and message, or use social media or info apps in satellite mode, indoors.
Carlota Fenes, President, WiCis, said: “We are proud to partner with Thuraya to support these expeditions. Our latest solution is perfect for explorers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It can be used on smartphones and smart watches. It checks, tracks, and reveals vital health details and gives weather updates while on-the-move, even in remote locations.”
The modern, WiCis Sports Adventure Solution can help save lives. Those monitoring the progress of adventurers now have access to vital health information, which can help doctors and emergency response teams react faster in critical situations, particularly in remote locations.
Customers can start using the WiCis solution in just three easy steps: Ensure all equipment is fully charged, attach the wearable monitors, connect to the internet via the Thuraya IP+, SatSleeve+ or SatSleeve Hotspot and then start monitoring your health details.
Source: Thuraya